Chief Bowels

During the American Wild West era, a group of American railroad engineers came across a Native American tribe living right where their planned railroad was intended to be built. Not wishing to cause any harm to the Native Americans by forcibly removing them, the engineers met with Chief Bowels of the Native American tribe in his teepee to try to convince him to move the tribe.

“Sir, there is absolutely no other location we can lay this track. The mountains to the north and the river to the south both necessitate that we build the railroad exactly here, right through where you are currently living. We hope you understand and will move your tribe so there will be no bloodshed.” “Bowels no move,” replied the Chief.

The engineers, although taken aback and disappointed, decided to return a week later to give the Chief time to reconsider his decision to not move his tribe and allow the railroad to be built. Meeting again at the Chief’s teepee, the engineers discussed with the Chief.

“Sir, it has been a week since we last met. Have you changed your decision? Will you let us build our railroad here?” Having not changed his mind, the Chief again replied, “Bowels no move.” “Sir, we have orders from the President of the United States himself to build a railroad here” the engineers agitatedly replied. “If you do not let us build the railroad through this land, we shall be required to forcibly move your tribe.” “Bowels. No. Move.” insisted the Chief. “Fine. We will give you one more week. And upon our return, if you do not agree to our demands that you move your tribe, we shall forcibly remove you from his land.”

Another week passes. The engineers, now desperate to have the Chief agree to their demands so as to fall no farther behind schedule, meet the Chief again at the fire in the middle of the teepee village. “Sir, another week has passed. We do not wish to use force, but we shall do so if necessary. Will you move your tribe and let us build our railroad here?” “Bowels move,” agreed the Chief. Overjoyed, the engineers inquired as to what changed the Chief’s mind. The Chief replied, “Bowels move,” and then paused. “Teepee full of poo-poo.”